There’s just something magical about shrimp and pasta coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce. I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family on a busy weeknight.

The kitchen smelled like a restaurant, the sauce was rich and silky, and the shrimp were perfectly tender.

Everyone at the table devoured it before I even had a chance to grab a bite, and I knew right then this would become one of my go-to comfort meals.

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for date night but is shockingly easy to make after a hectic day.

I make it at least once a month, and every time I do, I’m reminded why I love it so much: the sauce is buttery and garlicky, the shrimp cook in minutes, and the whole dish comes together without any stress.

If you’re craving comfort food with a touch of elegance, this recipe is your answer.

---

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This dish is a total weeknight hero. You can have it ready in under 30 minutes, which means more time to actually sit down and enjoy it with your family instead of stressing in the kitchen.

The garlic cream sauce is indulgent without feeling heavy. It’s rich, silky, and clings to every strand of pasta, so every bite is full of flavor.

And the shrimp? They’re tender, juicy, and cook so quickly that you can literally throw this together even on your busiest evenings.

I also love that it uses simple ingredients. Chances are, you already have butter, garlic, cream, and pasta in your pantry, and frozen or fresh shrimp in the fridge. No last-minute grocery runs needed.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make creamy garlic shrimp pasta at home:

• Pasta: I love linguine or fettuccine for this, but spaghetti or even penne works too.
• Shrimp: Use medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I prefer tail-off for easier eating.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a world of difference here — I use 4–5 cloves.
• Butter + Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp and garlic. The mix adds flavor and prevents burning.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its creamy, dreamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and thickens the sauce. Freshly grated is best!
• Chicken Broth or White Wine (optional): Adds depth and balances the richness.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herby finish.
• Lemon Wedge (optional): A little squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything.

---

How to Make Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.

Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of pasta water and set it aside. You might need it later to loosen the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the shrimp in a single layer and season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about two minutes per side until they are pink and opaque.

Be careful not to overcook them because shrimp go from tender to rubbery very quickly. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.

Do not let it brown because garlic can turn bitter if overcooked.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth or white wine. Let the mixture simmer gently for three to four minutes until it thickens slightly.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats the noodles and shrimp evenly.

If the sauce is thicker than you like, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

I also like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top because extra cheese is never a bad idea.

---

Tips for the Creamiest Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque to avoid a rubbery texture. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, more luxurious sauce.

Add reserved pasta water sparingly to thin the sauce without watering it down. Taste and adjust seasonings as you go because garlic and salt preferences vary.

---

Delicious Variations to Try

For extra flavor and color, toss in fresh baby spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Swap shrimp for seared scallops or sliced chicken breast if you want a different protein. Turn it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning.

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

---

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

I love pairing this pasta with garlic bread because it’s warm, buttery, and full of flavor. You and I can never go wrong with that classic combo.

A crisp Caesar salad is another favorite of mine. I like how the refreshing crunch and tangy dressing balance out the creamy pasta, making each bite feel lighter and more vibrant.

For a healthy boost, I often roast vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. I love how roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a simple, colorful touch to the plate.

---

FAQs About Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Can I make this ahead of time? The dish is best served fresh. You can prep the shrimp and garlic in advance, but the sauce tastes richest when made and served immediately.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the skillet.

Is it spicy? Only if you choose to add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning. The base recipe is flavorful without being spicy.

---

Final Thoughts: Make This Tonight

If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, creamy, garlicky, and satisfying, this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta is calling your name. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent without being fussy, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a regular in my dinner rotation.

Whether you’re feeding guests or just spoiling yourself on a Tuesday night, you seriously can’t go wrong with this one.